Friday 20 January 2017

The Darcy Monologues - Edited by Christina Boyd - Interview with Christina plus Giveaway

The Darcy Monologues - Edited by Chistina BoydToday I have news of an exciting project, which will be available for you to read later this year. You may be familiar with the name Christina Boyd. Even if you're not, you might well have read something she has contributed to. She's a book editor, and has edited many of my favourite Austenesque reads. Read on for more details!

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There are many well-known names behind today’s exciting announcement in the JAFF community and the one person at the center of it all is here today to share this news with us; the lovely Austenesque editor, Christina Boyd.

Christina, there’s a buzz going around the JAFF community that you are heading a new project and it’s a pleasure to have you visit so many Austenesque blogs today to share your big news!

Can you share with us what you’ve been working on behind-the-scenes?

Thank you for hosting and shining your light on this project. I am excited and not a little proud to announce “The Darcy Monologues”—a short story anthology with sixteen of my very favorite Austenesque writers. I doubt anyone will be surprised by my list—authors I’ve either enjoyed working with and admire their work or authors I have simply fan-girl’d over for years: Susan Adriani, Sara Angelini, Karen M. Cox, J. Marie Croft, Jan Hahn, Jenetta James, Lory Lilian, Judy-Lynne, KaraLynne Mackrory, Beau North, Ruth Phillips Oakland, Natalie Richards, Sophia Rose, Melanie Stanford, Joana Starnes, and Caitlin Williams.

Wow, that is an exciting line-up of talent! 

“The Darcy Monologues” sounds like such a fitting title for this anthology. Would you share with us how it was selected as the title, especially with so many authors involved in this project? 

This project is collection of stories all told from Fitzwilliam’s point-of-view—set in Regency, contemporary, as well as other eras. Because the stories are strictly from his eyes, I felt it imperative we find a title that clearly illustrated the book would be more than one tale but all from his point-of-view. In an e-mail from “The Trials of the Honorable F. Darcy” author, Sara Angelini, she mentioned how she had long wanted to write a story titled “The Darcy Monologues” or something like… So, in presenting the idea to the group, other ideas were thrown about. After a quick Google search, we learned there was a short story on Derbyshire Writer’s Guild by Judy-Lynne with the same title. She had written a short story described as six “extemporaneous rants” expressed by Fitzwilliam Darcy. Not one to be a copycat, we moved on to other names. But as time passed, nothing resonated with me as much so I felt incumbent to ask Judy-Lynne if she would be offended if we used the same title. Unfortunately, she is rarely on the fanfiction sites anymore and everyone I asked claimed they did not know how to get in touch with her. Finally! Finally, I connected with her through Pemberley.com and asked her about the title use, she accepted, and I asked her if she was still writing and would she be interested in writing a short for the anthology. She said she wasn’t writing but agreed to the challenge. And that’s my story and I’m sticking with it.

How does this project differ from anything you’ve worked on before? 

I’ve worked on two other anthologies, published in 2015 by Meryton Press: “Sun-Kissed: Effusions of Summer” and “Then Comes Winter”. Both were set-up as writing contests with a panel of judges reading and selecting the submissions. This project, I am self-publishing and have assembled my own dream team.

At this point, what can you share about your experiences working with so many talented Austenesque writers?

I feel lucky! Blessed. Not only that these talented writers have all graciously committed to this project—some having not written anything Austenesque in years—but have over a short period of time become so dear to me on a personal level.

What can readers expect from this anthology?

The authors have all committed to write a short piece from Darcy’s point-of-view, between 5000-15,000 words, and must have romance—but no scenes that I wouldn’t be able to share with my teenage daughter or eighty-year-old mother-in-law. Even with that last tenet, I am amazed how these writers can turn up the heat in a room. Have your fans handy—and even a few tissues!

It seems like we just can’t get enough of Mr. Darcy! What’s his appeal, Christina, 200 years later?

Pride and Prejudice” is told in the third-person narrative, limited omniscient, from Elizabeth Bennet’s point-of-view. In my fiction, I have always had a weakness for the rich, powerful, noble, and handsome man who changes his ways for love, and a woman worthy of his efforts. I’ve long dreamt of putting together a collection of stories all from my favorite Austen hero’s eyes. Yes, “Pride and Prejudice” has been told before from Darcy’s point-of-view by the talented Pamela Aidan, Stanley Hurd, Amanda Grange, Janet Aylmer, and Mary Street, to name a few—but with all the amazing “Pride and Prejudice” re-imaginings out there, I wanted to read alternate stories in his own words.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us today about The Darcy Monologues? 

The anthology is scheduled for release May 22, 2017 and we have a few promotions planned in the coming weeks as we finish the editing process to spit and polish the collection.

Before we part, Christina, I hear you have some rather thrilling news to share with us on a personal level, which was just announced early this week. Care to divulge the details here too? 

Well… I can barely believe it myself but…I won—I WON, the Omaze “Champagne Toast with Henry Cavill on the London Eye" experience! (Fundraiser to benefit the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund.) You read that right. I won. I’m flying to London to meet my all-time favorite book boyfriend, the very talented British actor, Henry Cavill. I have never been to England, except layovers in Heathrow—which doesn’t count—so I feel like the French teacher who has never been to France. And here I get to go, stay in a luxury hotel, explore London, and have a champagne toast with Henry Cavill. Pinch me! And yes, if he is willing, I do hope to have him sign some swag for “The Darcy Monologue” giveaways—after all, he is my book boyfriend.

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Stop press: Christina has decided to give her prize to me, because she loves my blog so much!

Please note, the previous sentence may not be true! :'-( 

In all seriousness though, congratulations to Christina for her exciting win! Take many, many photos, and I hope you take the opportunity to see more of England than just Henry Cavill and the London Eye, wondrous though both are!

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Editor Christina Boyd
Biography

Christina Boyd wears many hats as she is an editor, a contributor to Austenprose, and a ceramicist under her own banner, Stir Crazy Mama’s Artworks. A life member of the Jane Austen Society of North America, Christina lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her dear Mr. B, two busy teenagers, and a retriever named BiBi. Visiting Jane Austen’s England remains on her bucket list.

Giveaway Time!

We are giving away some really fun prizes to three lucky winners! One winner will receive a stash of gifts to enjoy with his/her own significant other. These treats include assorted British food and beverage snacks and a Mr. Darcy quote mug.
(This prize is open to a winner with a U.S. mailing address only)


Prizes!

Mr Darcy Uses This Mug!
Another winner will receive two stories from the anthology; a Regency story and a contemporary or alternate era short story. The winner will choose his/her prize stories based on the authors in this anthology. These stories will be distributed to the winner on March 15, 2017.

Our third prize winner will receive a walk-on role in one of the stories in this anthology. That’s right…This winner will have a piece of the action in one of our stories, which means having a character in one of these stories in the anthology named after her/him.
This is something every JAFF reader dreams about, isn’t it? I want this, me me me me me!

These giveaways are open for entries from Friday, January 20 until midnight, ET, on Saturday, January 28, 2017.

The winners will be announced on Sunday, January 29, 2017.

Please use the rafflecopter to enter:


44 comments:

  1. Thank you Ceri for supporting this project - I'm so excited about it!

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    1. I am excited at the prospect too! I look forward to reading it :)

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  2. I am so so so excited to be part of this group! Some very talented authors here and some of my favorites too!

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    1. Such a talented collection of authors, I'm not surprised you're excited! I am so impressed that you've managed to make time to add a story in, your littlest is still so small that free time must be as rare as hen's teeth in your house!

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  3. Thanks for announcing, Ceri. It's a dream for me to be part of this amazing group of authors, I can't wait for the book to be real!

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  4. Thanks for being part of the big announcement, Ceri. It's shaping up to be a special kind of book and i can't wait to read it myself!

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    1. I keep wondering how much of it you authors will get to read before it's out there for the rest of us to enjoy. Have you had any sneak peeks Caitlin?

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  5. Love the cover! So exciting! A whole book with Darcy and to read his POV from so many amazing authors! I can't wait to read it. Double congrats for the upcoming release and winning the Omaze challenge! Looking forward to seeing all your pictures with Henry Cavill! Love him! So excited for you

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    1. Thank you! I can't wait to meet "the man himself" -- he is my MrDarcy!

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    2. Oh, Dung!! Remember when we were in NYC sharing all our photos of Cavill? Lucky, Christina!! I feel like Caroline Bingley on the inside... UGH!!

      All joking aside, what a Darcy-centered year for Christina and I couldn't be happier for her!! Thanks for stopping by to share the LOVE!!

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    3. I agree, how awesome to have the "Darcy Monologues" coming out and meeting Henry Cavill as well and how can I forget about all those photos of Cavill... :)

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    4. Yes, congratulations Christina! Take many, many photos, and enjoy the experience. I hope you get to see some of the rest of the UK while you're here, it would be such a shame to come all this way and not get to do any nice Austen-y things :)

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  6. Oh joy!!!! A book of short stories from Darcy's point of view,full of romance and peppered with the essential ingredients that all authors know we readers love- angst and lots of misunderstandings!!!
    Can't wait!

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    1. It sounds like something not to be missed, doesn't it Mary! I hope to bring you more on this closer to the time, so stay tuned.

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  7. Woohoo! Exciting to be part of this project with a fab team of writers and Christina. And, Darcy, sigh... who wouldn't want the chance to write about him. :)

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    1. Got so excited there that forgot to thank, Ceri for hosting our announcement, Christina's interview, and that keen giveaway. Thanks, Ceri!

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    2. No, thank you for dropping by and commenting :)

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  8. Thanks for spreading the news, Ceri! I'm so happy to be in such awesome company, it's a dream come true, and can't wait to read everybody's stories! Who can ever have enough of Mr Darcy?

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  9. Ceri, many thanks for getting the word out about this wonderful project of Christina's! I consider myself fortunate to be included with this talented group of authors. If you ask me, May can't come soon enough!

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    1. It's such a great group, isn't it! And there are some authors who I haven't seen anything from in what seems like a long time, so that's exciting too.

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  10. Thank you for sharing your excitement for the anthology. It's a huge book so make some room on the shelves!

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    1. Ok, I will share a little secret with you now; though I love 'real' books and they are special to me, I also really enjoy the kindle reading experience because I have small hands and a big book is not a comfortable thing to hold. So if it's big I'll content myself with a kindle version :)

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  11. Thanks, Ceri, for supporting The Darcy Monologues and for all you do for Fans of Jane! I'm so honored to be an author among this group of amazing writers. There will probably be every incarnation of Darcy a girl could imagine within these pages. It will be so much fun, and I'm all about fun :) Good luck to everyone in the giveaway!

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    1. Thank you so much for stopping by, Karen. The calibre of the authors in this anthology is so impressive. I'm really looking forward to reading it.

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  12. Thank you always, Ceri, for your support and enthusiasm. I think this collection will suit your tastes very well and I can't wait to read your thoughts about these stories!

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    1. Thank you Claudine. I am really looking forward to reading this collection. There are some favourite authors contributing stories on one of my favourite characters. Win/win!

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  13. Thanks for participating in today's announcement about The Darcy Monologues (the ‘brick’ as Christina calls it). If I’m not mistaken, the word ‘brick’ can also refer to a person … a generous, helpful, reliable one. Your support of JAFF makes you a real brick, Ceri.
    Good luck to those entering the draw!

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    1. Thank you for such a kind comment, Joanne, this really brought a smile to my face. I am not sure I deserve such praise but it was still lovely to receive it!

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  14. Thank you so much for your support, Ceri! I am thrilled to be a part of this project and cannot wait to read everyone's stories. :)

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  15. Oh what fun I'm having "stalking" you all around the various blogs taking part in the announcement of this amazing sounding book, or brick. As Joanne says, "brick" can also refer to a person, as she so aptly described. Well, I think all of the blog hosts, authors who took part and especially Christina herself are such amazing bricks for all they do for the rest of us JAFF addicts. Thank you one and all!

    I also wish I could be in London to "stalk" Christina at the London Eye!

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    1. Thanks for commenting, Anji! This book really sounds like a must-read brick :)

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  16. Great interview! I can't wait to read this book!! :)

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  17. Carole in Canada21 January 2017 at 15:23

    So excited Ceri for this wonderful news of a book from Darcy's perspective! Spring is right around the corner...right?

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    1. It'll be here before we know it Carole!

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  18. Wonderful interview and the book from Darcy's POV should be an eye opener. What a fantastic group of authors writing this anthology. Wow, can't wait.

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    1. It really is such a wonderful group of authors. I have high hopes for this book too Carol.

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  19. Congratulations, again, to Christina...I know we all we be looking for photos and videos. And I am so looking forward to read this book!!!

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    1. We will certainly be wanting our Henry update! I'm looking forward to that as well, Sheila :)

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  20. Btw. My mistake. Must excuse me as the details were a bit jumbled last week in all my excitement and haste. Judy-Lynne's stories are at http://pemberley.com

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    1. Thanks, Christina, I updated the link. I am not surprised things got jumbled, it was a very exciting week!

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If you're not logged in to Google please leave your name in your comment or it will post as anonymous. Thanks! - Ceri